Logging activities in the 1800s had resulted in
the creation of underwater crib structures in the
West Branch Susquehanna River. These cribs were
made from large-diameter old growth hardwood
timber logs that were well preserved under the
water, and our client wished to salvage these
logs. However, these structures had become
habitat that would have to be mitigated. The
client suggested using root wads from trees that
had been pulled from clearing of land. FRC
surveyed and summarized the available aquatic
ecology literature on large woody debris and was
able to show that the root structures would
actually provide better habitat than the logs,
resulting in the client obtaining the permit.